Maze game and method for playing

ABSTRACT

A board game kit comprising a gameboard with markings that define a maze for a player to escape to win the game. The markings define a plurality of enclosed areas, a plurality of walls, a plurality of first directional arrows on the spaces, at least one passageway directing the player to skip at least one adjacent space, a plurality of different first graphical characters disposed on spaces within the maze, and a second graphical character on at least one space of the maze. The board game kit further includes at least one game piece assigned to each player to be moved within the maze, at least one die for each player to roll to provide a first instruction for each player to move within the maze, and a deck of a plurality of playing cards to provide a second instruction for each player to move within the maze.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not applicable.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC

Not applicable.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to the field of board games, and morespecifically to a logic game in which a player must try to find theirway out of a maze before their opponent.

BACKGROUND

From prehistoric times, mazes worldwide have served as differentsymbolic, ritualistic, and practical purposes. Taken as a powerfulmetaphor for life's journey, a maze can be used as tools for meditationand learning at any level, even when completed for recreation. Numerousmazes of different kinds have been drawn, painted, published in booksand periodicals, used in advertising, in software, and sold as art. Inthe 1970s there occurred a publishing “maze craze” in which numerousbooks, and some magazines, were commercially available in nationwideoutlets and devoted exclusively to mazes of a complexity that was ableto challenge adults as well as children.

A maze is an intricate network of paths, usually designed as a puzzle.Maze solving is the act of finding a route through the maze from thestart to finish. Some maze solving methods are designed to be usedinside the maze by a traveler with no prior knowledge of the maze,whereas others are designed to be used by a person or computer programthat can see the whole maze at once. Maze solving requires an individualto apply general knowledge, memory, spatial imagery, logic andproblem-solving skills to reach a desired goal.

Studies have found that mazes significantly enhance human intellectualprocesses. For example, the practice of finding a solution to a mazeenhances existing connections between brain cells that boost thecapacity for the brain to generate new relationships that speed upthought processes. Moreover, frequent interaction with mazes helps todevelop memory, vocabulary and reasoning. In fact, research states thatsolving mazes helps raise the IQ (intelligence quotient) level of anindividual. Mazes also improve concentration by increasing the attentionspan of an individual. By varying the difficulty level of the challenge,the level of required concentration can be controlled. Once anindividual is comfortable with a level, the difficulty can be increasedto push the brain to concentrate harder.

Mazes also improve problem solving skills. Since the goal of solving anymaze is to find a solution to a problem, mazes help improve criticalthinking, patience, determination, and organization, i.e., how to breakbig and complex problems into smaller and easily solvable portions.Studies have also indicated that mazes act as a pathway to psychologicalrelaxation. The period of finding a solution for a maze puts the mind ina meditative state. The relaxation that follows enhances one to attain apeaceful mind. This enables individuals to manage stress and life issuesthat negatively affect productivity. As a result, enhanced mindtranquility assists individuals to achieve self-confidence and promotessocial well-being.

Mazes accelerate production of dopamine, a neurotransmitter responsiblefor regulation of mood and feelings. Dopamine also influences memory,motivation and concentration. Every time an individual solves a maze,dopamine is secreted. The release of dopamine helps to boost confidencelevels and the ability to solve problems or take up challenges.Additionally, researchers at Yale University have that givingindividuals the opportunity to work together on solving mazes allowedthem to improve relationships and their abilities to cooperate to finisha task.

Thus, based on the importance of the numerous benefits discussed above,there is a need in the art for more challenging and stimulating mazes toenhance the human intellectual process.

SUMMARY

A maze game and method for playing is disclosed. This Summary isprovided to introduce a selection of disclosed concepts in a simplifiedform that are further described below in the Detailed Descriptionincluding the drawings provided. This Summary is not intended toidentify key features or essential features of the claimed subjectmatter. Nor is this Summary intended to be used to limit the claimedsubject matter's scope.

In one embodiment, a board game kit is disclosed. The board game kitincludes a gameboard having a gameboard face with markings that define amaze for players to escape before other players in order win the game.The markings define a plurality of enclosed areas. Each enclosed arearepresents a space on the maze. The markings also define a plurality ofwalls. Each wall prevents movement into at least one space. The markingsfurther define a plurality of first directional arrows on the spacesconfigured to direct the players in which direction to move theirassociated game on the gameboard face, at least one passageway directingthe player to skip at least one adjacent space, and a plurality ofdifferent first graphical characters disposed on spaces within the maze.Moving the game piece onto one of the spaces having one of firstgraphical characters requires a first player associated with the gamepiece to receive and follow a first graphical character instruction thatis associated with first graphical character. The markings also define asecond graphical character on at least one space of the maze. Movingonto the space having the second graphical character requires the firstplayer to draw one of the playing cards from the deck and to follow thesecond instruction displayed on the playing card. The board game kitincludes at least one game piece. Each game piece is assigned to aplayer and configured to be moved within the maze. The board game kitfurther includes at least one die for each player to roll to provide afirst instruction for each player to move within the maze and a deck ofa plurality of playing cards wherein to provide a second instruction foreach player to move within the maze.

In one embodiment, a game system is disclosed. The game system includesa gameboard having markings that define a maze for players to escapebefore other players in order win the game. The markings define aplurality of enclosed areas. Each enclosed area represents a space onthe maze. The markings further define a plurality of walls defined byline segments. Each wall prevents movement into at least one space. Themaze defines no dead ends and at least a single exit for players to exitthe maze.

In one embodiment, a method for playing a maze game is disclosed. Themethod includes providing a gameboard with markings that define a mazefor players to escape before other players in order win the game. Themarkings define a plurality of enclosed areas. Each enclosed arearepresents a space on the maze. The markings further define a pluralityof walls defined by line segments. Each wall prevents movement into atleast one space. The maze defines no dead ends and at least a singleexit for players to exit the maze.

Additional aspects of the disclosed embodiment will be set forth in partin the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from thedescription, or may be learned by practice of the disclosed embodiments.The aspects of the disclosed embodiments will be realized and attainedby means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out inthe appended claims. It is to be understood that both the foregoinggeneral description and the following detailed description are exemplaryand explanatory only and are not restrictive of the disclosedembodiments, as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute partof this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention andtogether with the description, serve to explain the principles of thedisclosed embodiments. The embodiments illustrated herein are presentlypreferred, it being understood, however, that the invention is notlimited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown,wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a board game kit, according to anexample embodiment of the present invention:

FIG. 2 is a front view of a plurality of playing cards, wherein each ofthe playing cards provide a second instruction for each player to movewithin the maze, according to an example embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 3 is a front view of a first graphical character instruction,wherein the first graphical character instruction is printed on aninstruction sheet table, according to an example embodiment of thepresent invention:

FIG. 4 is a graphical representation of a gameboard, wherein a gamepiece is moving an amount of spaces based on a first graphical characterinstruction associated with a first graphical character, according to anexample embodiment of the present invention:

FIG. 5 is a graphical representation of a gameboard, wherein a gamepiece is moving an amount of spaces based on a second instructionassociated with a second graphical character, according to an exampleembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a graphical representation of a game system on a remotecomputing device, according to an example embodiment of the presentinvention; and

FIG. 7 is a flowchart describing the steps of the process for playing amaze game, according to an example embodiment of the present invention;and

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a system including an example computingdevice and other computing devices, according to an example embodimentof the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings.Whenever possible, the same reference numbers are used in the drawingsand the following description to refer to the same or similar elements.While disclosed embodiments may be described, modifications,adaptations, and other implementations are possible. For example,substitutions, additions or modifications may be made to the elementsillustrated in the drawings, and the methods described herein may bemodified by substituting reordering or adding additional stages orcomponents to the disclosed methods and devices. Accordingly, thefollowing detailed description does not limit the disclosed embodiments.Instead, the proper scope of the disclosed embodiments is defined by theappended claims.

The present invention fulfills a need in the art by offering a gamesystem that adds new levels of challenge and complexity in both designand goals to enhance the human intellectual process. The game systemincludes a gameboard having a gameboard face with markings that define amaze for players to escape before other players in order win the game.The maze includes at least a single exit for players to exit the maze.Additionally, the maze defines no dead ends, or ways that prevents aplayer from exiting the maze. Thus, it may take an unlimited amount oftime before each player has found a way out of the maze. The gameboardincludes a plurality of different first graphical characters disposed onspaces within the maze. Moving a game piece onto a space having firstgraphical characters requires a first player associated with the gamepiece to receive and follow a first graphical character instruction thatis associated with the first graphical character. The gameboard alsoincludes a second graphical character on at least one space of the maze.Moving a game piece onto a space having the second graphical characterrequires a first player to draw a card from a deck of a plurality ofplaying cards and follow the second instruction displayed on the playingcard.

Referring now to the Figures, FIGS. 1-5 illustrate a board game kit 100according to an example embodiment of the present invention and will bediscussed together for ease of reference. FIG. 1 is a front perspectiveview of the board game kit 100, according to an example embodiment ofthe present invention. The board game kit 100 includes a gameboard 105of generally rectangular or square shape that comprises a substantiallyplanar upward facing surface, downward facing surface, two opposing sideedges 106, and two opposing end edges 107. The upward facing surfaceincludes a gameboard face 110 with markings. The function and purpose ofthe markings are further discussed below. The markings on the gameboardface 110 define a maze that relates to a game were the goal is to be thefirst player to exit the maze. The maze includes at least a single exit115 to allow players to exit the maze (in the direction arrowed lineD1). More importantly, the maze defines no dead ends, or obstacles thatwould ultimately prevent a player from exiting the maze. The term deadend means that a game piece would have to reverse direction to keepmoving or that a game piece is not able to advance forward enclosed orto a side enclosed area. In other words, the maze is essentially endlessif the players do not use at least skill, chance or ingenuity to get outof the game because the players will continue to be able to move giventhat there are no ends. Therefore, it may take an unlimited amount oftime before each player has found a way out of the maze.

The downward facing surface of the gameboard 105 is configured to belaid upon a flat surface, such as a tabletop, while the game is beingplayed. In one embodiment, the gameboard 105 includes one or morecentrally positioned fold lines (not shown) and may be folded down toone half or one quarter size. In one embodiment, the board game kit 100includes a storage box (not shown) that is configured to hold or supportthe gameboard 105 and board game components discussed below. It shouldbe appreciated that the gameboard may have other shapes, dimensions, andsurfaces, and such variations are within the spirit and scope of theclaimed invention. For example, the gameboard 105 may have a circularshape and a textured surface. The gameboard 105 may be comprised ofsufficiently rigid and durable paper-based material such as cardboard,or any other suitable material known in the art, and such variations arewithin the spirit and scope of the claimed invention.

The board game kit 100 includes at least one game piece 120. The gamepiece is a player's representative on the gameboard face 110. The gamepiece 120 is assigned to each player and is configured to be movedwithin the maze. The game piece comprises a cylindrical shaped pawn,however, it should be appreciated that the game piece may have othershapes, dimensions, and textures, and such variations are within thespirit and scope of the claimed invention. For example, the game piecemay be a seed, bean, coin, shell, ball, or pebble. As another example,the game piece may be configured to look like a known object, such as ascale model of a person, animal, or inanimate object, or otherwisegeneral symbol.

The board game kit 100 further includes at least one die 125 for eachplayer to roll. The die 125 is configured to provide a first instructionfor determining the amount of movement for each player to move withinthe maze. The die 125 comprises a cube with each of its six faces markedwith a different number of spots from one to six, each value beingequally likely. In operation, wen it is a first player's turn to play,the first player will roll the die 125 to generate a random number.After the die 125 comes to rest, the first player advances theirassigned game piece 120 on the gameboard face 110 an amount of spacesequal to the number of spots on an upward facing side 126 of the die. Itshould be appreciated that the die 125 may have other shapes,dimensions, and surfaces, and such variations are within the spirit andscope of the claimed invention. For example, the die 125 may have apolyhedral or irregular shape with each of its faces marked withnumerals or symbols instead of spots. In one embodiment, other chanceelements such as tops or spinners may be used in place of the die 125.

FIG. 2 is a front view of a deck of a plurality of playing cards 130,wherein each of the playing cards provide a second instruction for eachplayer to move within the maze, according to an example embodiment ofthe present invention. The playing cards 130 have a rectangular planarshape and include a first side 131 and a second side 132. The first side131 of the playing cards are uniform and display a second graphicalcharacter 133(a) and the second side 132 of the playing cards display arespective second instruction. In the present embodiment, the secondgraphical character 133(a) comprises a vortex symbol, however, it shouldbe appreciated that the second graphical character may include numbers,letters, symbols, shapes, and graphics, and such variations are withinthe spirit and scope of the claimed invention.

In operation, as best shown in FIG. 1, the deck of playing cards areplaced in a stack such that the first side of the playing cards isfacing up. As further discussed below, if a first player's game piece120 lands on a space having the second graphical character 133(b), thefirst player must draw a card from the deck of playing cards 130 andfollow the second instruction printed on the playing card. To place thegame in context, exemplary non-comprehensive examples of secondinstructions displayed on the second side 132 of the playing cards areset forth below, however, it should be appreciated that multiple themes,rules, and objectives may be incorporated, and such variations arewithin the spirit and scope of the claimed invention.

A playing card that reads “Warp Back to Start” 134 requires the firstplayer to move their game piece 120 to a “Start Space” 145 to commencethe game again. Each start space 145 is located around the outsideborder of the maze and is where each player places their assigned gamepiece 120 at the start of the game.

A playing card that reads “Warp Any Opponent Back to Start” 135 allowsthe first player to move an opponent's game piece 120 to the start space145 to commence the game again.

A playing card that reads “Swap” 136 requires the first player to swaptheir game piece with an opponent's game piece 120.

A playing card that reads “Choose Any Opponent to Skip Their Next Turn”137 allows the first player to cause an opponent to lose their next turnin the game.

A playing card that reads “Move Forward 12 Spaces” 138 requires thefirst player to move their game piece 120 twelve spaces forward on thegameboard face 110.

A playing card that reads “Back Up 5 Spaces” 139 requires the firstplayer to move their game piece five spaces back on the gameboard face110.

A playing card that reads “Advance to Nearest Warp Zone” 140 requiresthe first player to move their game piece 120 to the nearest warp zonelocated on the gameboard face 110 as further discussed below.

A playing card that reads “Advance to Warp Zone 21” 141 requires thefirst player to move their game piece 120 to warp zone 21 on thegameboard face 110 as further discussed below.

A playing card that reads “Wild Card” 142 bears six different secondinstructions marked with a number from one to six. The “Wild Card”requires a first player to roll the die 125 and follow the secondinstruction on the playing card that corresponds to the number of spotson the upward facing side 126 of the die 125.

If the first player rolls a one, the second instruction reads “WarpBlitz” and allows the first player to move their game piece to any warpzone on the gameboard face 110 except for warp zone 16, as furtherdiscussed below.

If the first player rolls a two, the second instruction reads “MoveForward 10 Spaces” and requires the first player to move their gamepiece ten spaces forward on the gameboard face 110.

If the first player rolls a three, the second instruction reads “Returnto Start” and requires the first player to move their game piece to thestart space 145 to commence the game again.

If the first player rolls a four, the second instruction reads “TimeFreeze” and causes the first player to lose their next turn.

If the first player rolls a five, the second instruction reads “Snatchand Grab” and allows the first player to take an opponent's next turn inthe game.

If the first player rolls a six, the second instruction reads “Back Up 5Spaces” and requires the first player to move their game piece fivespaces back on the gameboard face 110.

It should be appreciated that the board game kit may include any numberof playing cards and the playing cards may comprise other shapes,symbols, graphics, dimensions, and instructions, and such variations arewithin the spirit and scope of the claimed invention. The playing cards130 may be comprised of specially prepared card stock, heavy paper, thincardboard, plastic-coated paper, cotton-paper blend, thin plastic, orany other suitable material known in the art.

As discussed above, the markings on the gameboard face 110 define a mazethat relates to a game were the goal is to be the first player to exitthe maze. The markings define a plurality of enclosed areas. Eachenclosed area represents a space 150 on the maze. A space is a uniqueposition on the gameboard face 110 on which a game piece 120 may belocated. Each enclosed area defines a square shape. Specifically, thegameboard face 110 is divided into nineteen columns by twenty-four rows,resulting in a total of 456 squares. It should be appreciated that theplurality of enclosed areas may include any number of spaces and mayhave other shapes, including rectangular, hexagonal, quadrilateral,cubic, or circular, and such variations are within the spirit and scopeof the claimed invention.

The markings further define a plurality of walls 155. Each wall preventsa game piece 120 from moving into at least one space 150 on thegameboard face 110. In the present embodiment, the plurality of wallsare solid lines, however, it should be appreciated that the plurality ofwalls may have other configurations, such as three-dimensional lines,dashed zigzag lines, broken lines, curved lines, and wavy lines, andsuch variations are within the spirit and scope of the claimedinvention.

The markings further define a plurality of first directional arrows 160on the spaces. The first directional arrows 160 are configured to directthe players in which direction to move their associated game on thegameboard face 110. The first directional arrows 160 may include one-wayarrows, double sided arrows, three-way arrows, and four-way arrows. Itshould be appreciated that the plurality of first directional arrows 160may be comprised of lines, letters, symbols, shapes, or graphics, andsuch variations are within the spirit and scope of the claimedinvention.

The markings further define at least one passageway 165 directingplayers to skip at least one adjacent space 150. Each passageway 165 isdefined by at least one color that is configured to form atwo-dimensional gameboard face 110. The resulting two-dimensionalgameboard face 110 includes different levels that enable multi-planarmovements of the game pieces 120, as further discussed below. It shouldbe appreciated that the passageway 165 may be a conduit, tunnel, orbridge that is defined by different hues, shades, or patterns, and suchvariations are within the spirit and scope of the claimed invention. Thepassageways allows the board to be three-dimensional in that the board,because of the passageways now has “height.”

At least one passageway includes a third graphical element 170 thatindicates that players can only move though the pathway in a singledirection. In the present embodiment, the third graphical element 170 isdefined by a one-way arrow with a line in front of the arrow, however,it should be appreciated that the third graphical element 170 may becomprised of a broken line, letter, symbol, shape, or graphic, and suchvariations are within the spirit and scope of the claimed invention.

The markings further define a plurality of different first graphicalcharacters 175 disposed on spaces 150 within the maze. The firstgraphical character comprises at least one digit, however, it should beappreciated that the first graphical character may be comprised ofletters, symbols, shapes, and graphics, and such variations are withinthe spirit and scope of the claimed invention. In operation, when afirst player's game piece 120 lands on a space having the firstgraphical character 175, the first player must receive and follow afirst graphical character instruction 176(a), 176(b) associated with thefirst graphical character from an opponent. As best shown in FIG. 3, thefirst graphical character instructions 176(a), 176(b) for each firstgraphical character 175 is printed on a plurality of instruction sheettables 180. The instruction sheet tables 180 have a rectangular planarshape and include a first side 181 and a second side 182. The first side181 of the instruction sheet tables 180 are uniform and read“Instruction Sheet Table” and the second side 182 of the instructionsheet tables 180 display the respective first graphical characterinstruction 176.

The markings further define the second graphical character 133(b) on atleast one space of the maze. As discussed above, the second graphicalcharacter 133(b) comprises a vortex symbol. If a first player's gamepiece 120 lands on a space having the second graphical character 133(b),the first player must draw a card from the deck of playing cards 130 andfollow the second instruction printed on the playing card, as discussedabove.

FIG. 6 is a graphical representation of a game system on a remotecomputing device, according to an example embodiment of the presentinvention. Although the examples below describe the game system in anelectronic environment, those of skill in the art will appreciate thatthe game system may be implemented in a non-electronic environment asshown in FIGS. 1-3, and such variations are within the spirit and scopeof the claimed invention.

As described above with respect to FIG. 1, the game system 200 includesa graphical representation of a gameboard 205 on a remote computingdevice 201. The remote computing device 201 may be any computing device,such as cellular telephones, smart phones, tablet computers, laptops,and game consoles, and such variations are within the spirit and scopeof the claimed invention. The gameboard 205 includes a gameboard face210 with a plurality of markings. The markings on the gameboard face 210define a maze that relates to a game were the goal is to be the firstplayer to exit the maze. A player may interact with the game system bypressing certain buttons of the remote computing device, interactingwith the touch pads or touchscreens of the remote computing device, orany combination of the above.

The maze includes at least a single exit 215 to allow players to exitthe maze (in the direction arrowed line D2). The markings also define aplurality of enclosed areas. Each enclosed area represents a space 250on the maze defined by a square shape. The markings further define aplurality of walls 255. Each wall prevents a game piece 220 from movinginto at least one space 250 on the gameboard face 210. The maze definesno dead ends, or obstacles that would ultimately prevent a player fromexiting the maze or requiring the player's game piece to reversedirections. Therefore, it may take an unlimited amount of time beforeeach player has found a way out of the maze.

The markings also define at least one passageway defined by at least oneof a hue, color, shade and pattern on the game board different thansurrounding spaces and a second directional arrow on at least a portionof the passageway that directs players in which direction to move. Eachpassageway 265 is configured to form a two-dimensional gameboard face210. The resulting two-dimensional gameboard face 210 includes differentlevels that enable multi-planar movements of the game pieces 220, asfurther discussed below. At least one passageway includes a thirdgraphical element 270 that indicates that players can only move thoughthe pathway in a single direction. The third graphical element 270 isdefined by a one-way arrow with a line in front of the arrow

The markings further define a plurality of different first graphicalcharacters 275 disposed on spaces 250 within the maze. In operation,when a first player's game piece 220 lands on a space having the firstgraphical character 275, the first player must receive and follow afirst graphical character instruction 276(a), 276(b) associated with thefirst graphical character from an opponent. As described above withrespect to FIG. 3, the first graphical character instruction 276(a),276(b) for each first graphical character 275 is displayed on agraphical representation of an instruction sheet table 280. Each ofthese sheets may be hidden from view or unknown by other players.

The markings further define a second graphical character on at least onespace of the maze. In operation, when a first player's game piece 220lands on a space having the second graphical character 233(b), the firstplayer must draw a card from a deck of playing cards 230 and follow thesecond instruction displayed on the playing card. As described abovewith respect to FIG. 2, the game system includes a graphicalrepresentation of the deck of playing cards 230 that provide a secondinstruction for each player to move within the maze. The game systemalso includes a graphical representation of at least one game piece 220that is assigned to each player. The game piece is configured to advancean amount of spaces within the maze equal to a number provided in afirst instruction by a random instruction generator 225. The randominstruction generator is a graphical representation of at least one diethat is configured for generating a random electronic number. However,in other embodiments, other type of items that generate a randomcharacter or number that instructs a user on how many enclosed areas tomove may be used and is within the spirit and scope of the presentinvention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart describing the steps of the process 700 forplaying a maze game, according to an example embodiment of the presentinvention. The sequence of steps depicted is for illustrative purposesonly and is not meant to limit the method in any way as it is understoodthat the steps may proceed in a different logical order, additional orintervening steps may be included, or described steps may be dividedinto multiple steps, without detracting from the invention.Additionally, although a non-limiting, exemplary set of rules forplaying the board game are set forth below, it should be appreciatedthat the rules may further incorporate different aspects of thedescribed methods of game play or may specify additional restrictions orgame features, and such variations are within the spirit and scope ofthe claimed invention.

In step 705, the process includes providing a gameboard 105. Asdescribed above with respect to FIGS. 1-5, the gameboard 105 includes agameboard face 110 with markings. The markings on the gameboard face 110define a maze that relates to a game were the goal is to be the firstplayer to exit the maze. The markings further define at least a singleexit 115 to allow players to exit the maze (in the direction arrowedline D1). More importantly, the maze defines no dead ends, or obstaclesthat would ultimately prevent a player from exiting the maze.Additionally, the term no dead ends mean that in no part of the maze isthe player's game piece required to reverse or move back to the previousenclosed area. Therefore, it may take an unlimited amount of time beforeeach player has found a way out of the maze. The markings further definea plurality of enclosed areas. Each enclosed area represents a space 150on the maze that is defined by a square shape. The markings furtherdefine a plurality of walls 155 defined by line segments. Each wallprevents a game piece 120 from moving into at least one space 150 on thegameboard face 110. However, it is understood that walls may also bedefined by a plurality of different type of markings or bodies that formthe maze.

In step 710, each player is assigned a game piece 120. The game piececomprises a cylindrical shaped pawn and is configured to be moved withinthe maze. Each player then places their game piece on a start space 145located around the outside border of the maze. In step 715, a deck of aplurality of playing cards 130 containing a second instruction for eachplayer to move within the maze is shuffled thoroughly. Each playing cardincludes a first side 131 and a second side 132. The first side 131 ofthe playing cards are uniform and display a second graphical character133(a) and the second side 132 of the playing cards display therespective second instruction. After the deck of playing cards isshuffled, they are placed in a stack such that the first side of theplaying cards are facing up.

In step 720, each player rolls a pair of dice to determine the order thegame will be played in. Each die comprises a cube with each of its sixfaces marked with a different number of spots from one to six, eachvalue being equally likely. The player who rolls the highest number goesfirst. For example, if a first player rolls a 4 and a 5, and secondplayer rolls a 5 and 6, the second player goes first because 11 isgreater than 9. It is also understood that other types of devices thatrandomly generate a marking to indicate how many enclosed spaces to movemay be used and is within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

In step 725, each player is assigned a first graphical characterinstruction for an opposing player. The first graphical characterinstructions 176(a), 176(b) for each first graphical character 175 isprinted on a plurality of instruction sheet tables 180. Each firstgraphical character instruction corresponds with one of a plurality ofdifferent first graphical characters disposed on spaces within the maze.In one embodiment of the game, each player is given a table 180 and thattable is hidden or unknown from the other players. As a result, playersdo not know how their game piece will be required to move when theirgame piece lands on an enclosed area having a certain first graphicalcharacter instruction. As a result, this increases the complexity of thegame because it adds an additional element of chance. Additionally, thisalso teaches honesty to children and players because it requires theplayers to honestly give an instruction when a player requests aninstruction after landing on an enclosed area with a particular firstgraphical character instruction. For example, if a first player's gamepiece ends on the an enclosed area having the first graphical characterinstruction 3, then a second player having a table with the number 3,would instruct the first player to move his or her game piece to theenclosed area with the number 9. This is also important because itrequires uses to memorize or remember the instruction associated witheach first graphical character, which adds to the complexity and skillof the game.

In step 730, the process requires the player whose turn it is to followthe corresponding first graphical character instruction associated withthe first graphical character when the player's game piece whose turn itis lands on one of the first graphical characters. The first graphicalcharacters disposed on spaces within the maze allow players to move fromone first graphical character to another first graphical character untileach player finds the first graphical character instruction that exitsthe maze. FIG. 4 is a graphical representation of a gameboard, wherein agame piece is moving an amount of spaces based on a first graphicalcharacter instruction associated with a first graphical character,according to an example embodiment of the present invention. As shown inFIG. 4, a first player's game piece 121(a) whose turn it is landed onfirst graphical character number 11. The opposing player who is assignedthe first player's graphical character instruction must communicate tothe first player that the corresponding first graphical characterinstruction associated with first graphical character number 11 is firstgraphical character number 12, as shown in FIG. 3. Thereafter, the firstplayer's game piece 121(b) is moved to first graphical character number12.

In step 735, the process requires a player whose turn it is to draw acard from the deck of playing cards 130 when the player's game piecewhose turn it is lands on a space having the second graphical character133(b). As discussed above with respect to FIG. 2, each of the playingcards provide a second instruction for each player to move within themaze. In step 740, the player must follow the second instruction printedon the playing card. FIG. 5 is a graphical representation of agameboard, wherein a game piece is moving an amount of spaces based on asecond instruction associated with a second graphical character,according to an example embodiment of the present invention. As shown inFIG. 5, a first player's game piece 122(a) whose turn it is landed on aspace having the second graphical character 133(b). The secondinstruction that the first player drew from the stack of playing cardsreads “Warp Back to Start” 134. Thus, the first player must move theirgame piece 122(b) to the start space 145 to commence the game again.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a system including an example computingdevice 800 and other computing devices. Consistent with the embodimentsdescribed herein, the aforementioned actions may be implemented in acomputing device, such as the computing device of FIG. 8. Any suitablecombination of hardware, software, or firmware may be used to implementthe computing device. The aforementioned system, device, and processorsare examples and other systems, devices, and processors may comprise theaforementioned computing device.

With reference to FIG. 8, a system consistent with an embodiment of theinvention may include a plurality of computing devices, such ascomputing device 800. In a basic configuration, computing device mayinclude at least one processing unit 802 and a system memory 804.Depending on the configuration and type of computing device, systemmemory 804 may comprise, but is not limited to volatile (e.g.random-access memory (RAM)), non-volatile (e.g. read-only memory (ROM)),flash memory, or any combination or memory. System memory 804 may alsoinclude operating system 805, and one or more programming modules 806(such as program module 807). Operating system 805, for example, may besuitable for controlling the operation of computing device 800. In oneembodiment, programming modules 806 may include, for example, a programmodule 807. Furthermore, embodiments of the invention may be practicedin conjunction with a graphics library, other operating systems, or anyother application program and is not limited to any particularapplication or system. This basic configuration is illustrated in FIG. 8by those components within a dashed line 820.

Computing device 800 may have additional features or functionality. Forexample, computing device 800 may also include additional data storagedevices (removable and/or non-removable) such as, for example, magneticdisks, optical disks, or tape. Such additional storage is illustrated inFIG. 8 by a removable storage 809 and a non-removable storage 810.Computer storage media may include volatile and nonvolatile, removableand non-removable media implemented in any method or technology forstorage of information, such as computer readable instructions, datastructures, program modules, or other data. System memory 804, removablestorage 809, and non-removable storage 810 are all computer storagemedia examples (i.e., memory storage). Computer storage media mayinclude, but is not limited to, RAM, ROM, electrically erasableread-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory or other memory technology,CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or other optical storage, magneticcassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magneticstorage devices, or any other medium which can be used to storeinformation and which can be accessed by computing device 800. Any suchcomputer storage media may be part of computing device 800. Computingdevice 800 may also have input device(s) 812 such as a keyboard, amouse, a pen, a sound input device, a camera, a touch input device, etc.Output device(s) 814 such as a display, audio speakers, or printer, mayalso be included. The aforementioned devices are only examples, andother devices may be added or substituted.

Computing device 800 may also contain a communication connection 816that may allow computing device 800 to communicate with other computingdevices 818, such as over a network in a distributed computingenvironment, for example, an intranet or the Internet. Communicationconnection 816 is one example of communication media. Communicationmedia may typically be embodied by computer readable instructions, datastructures, program modules, or other data in a modulated data signal,such as a carrier wave or other transport mechanism, and includes anyinformation delivery media. The term “modulated data signal” maydescribe a signal that has one or more characteristics set or changed insuch a manner as to encode information in the signal. By way of example,and not limitation, communication media may include wired media, such asa wired network or direct-wired connection, and wireless media, such asacoustic, radio frequency (RF), infrared, and other wireless media. Theterm computer readable media as used herein may include both, computerstorage media and communication media.

As stated above, a number of program modules and data files may bestored in system memory 804, including operating system 805. Whileexecuting on processing unit 802, programming modules 806 may performprocesses including, for example, one or more of the methods shown inFIG. 7 or described throughout this application. Computing device 800may also include a graphics processing unit, which supplements theprocessing capabilities of processor 802 and which may executeprogramming modules 806, including all or a portion of those processesand methods shown in FIG. 7. The aforementioned processes are examples,and processing unit 802 may perform other processes. Other programmingmodules that may be used in accordance with embodiments of the presentinvention may include electronic mail and contacts applications, wordprocessing applications, spreadsheet applications, databaseapplications, slide presentation applications, drawing or computer-aidedapplication programs, etc.

Generally, consistent with embodiments of the invention, program modulesmay include routines, programs, components, data structures, and othertypes of structures that may perform particular tasks or that mayimplement particular abstract data types. Moreover, embodiments of theinvention may be practiced with other computer system configurations,including hand-held devices, multiprocessor systems,microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics,minicomputers, mainframe computers, and the like. Embodiments of theinvention may also be practiced in distributed computing environmentswhere tasks are performed by remote processing devices that are linkedthrough a communications network. In a distributed computingenvironment, program modules may be located in both local and remotememory storage devices.

Furthermore, embodiments of the invention may be practiced in anelectrical circuit comprising discrete electronic elements, packaged orintegrated electronic chips containing logic gates, a circuit utilizinga microprocessor, or on a single chip (such as a System on Chip)containing electronic elements or microprocessors. Embodiments of theinvention may also be practiced using other technologies capable ofperforming logical operations such as, for example, AND, OR, and NOT,including but not limited to mechanical, optical, fluidic, and quantumtechnologies. In addition, embodiments of the invention may be practicedwithin a general-purpose computer or in any other circuits or systems.

Embodiments of the present invention, for example, are described abovewith reference to block diagrams and/or operational illustrations ofmethods, systems, and computer program products according to embodimentsof the invention. The functions/acts noted in the blocks may occur outof the order as shown in any flowchart. For example, two blocks shown insuccession may in fact be executed substantially concurrently or theblocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending uponthe functionality/acts involved.

While certain embodiments of the invention have been described, otherembodiments may exist. Furthermore, although embodiments of the presentinvention have been described as being associated with data stored inmemory and other storage mediums, data can also be stored on or readfrom other types of computer-readable media, such as secondary storagedevices, like hard disks, floppy disks, or a CD-ROM, or other forms ofRAM or ROM. Further, the disclosed methods stages may be modified in anymanner, including by reordering stages and/or inserting or deletingstages, without departing from the invention.

Although the subject matter has been described in language specific tostructural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understoodthat the subject matter defined in the appended claims is notnecessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above.Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed asexample forms of implementing the claims.

We claim:
 1. A board game kit comprising: a gameboard having a gameboard face with markings that define a maze for players to escape before other players in order to win the game; at least one game piece, wherein each game piece is assigned to a player and configured to be moved within the maze; at least one die for each player to roll to provide a first instruction for each player to move within the maze; a deck of a plurality of playing cards, wherein each of the playing cards provide a second instruction for each player to move within the maze; wherein the markings define: a plurality of areas, wherein each area represents a space on the maze; a plurality of walls, wherein each wall prevents movement into at least one space; a plurality of first directional arrows on the spaces configured to direct the players in which direction to move their associated game on the gameboard face; at least one passageway directing the player to skip at least one adjacent space, wherein the at least one passageway includes a third graphical element that indicates that players can only move though the passageway in a single direction; a plurality of different first graphical characters disposed on spaces within the maze, wherein the first graphical character comprises at least one digit, wherein the first graphical character instruction for each of the first graphical characters is printed on an instruction sheet table, wherein moving the game piece onto one of the spaces having one of first graphical characters requires a first player associated with the game piece to receive and follow a first graphical character instruction that is associated with first graphical character; and a second graphical character on at least one space of the maze, wherein the second graphical representation comprises a spiral element, wherein moving onto the space having the second graphical character requires the first player to draw one of the playing cards from the deck and to follow the second instruction displayed on the playing card.
 2. The board game kit of claim 1, wherein the maze defines no dead ends and at least a single exit for players to exit the maze.
 3. The board game kit of claim 1, wherein each area defines a square shape.
 4. The board game kit of claim 1, wherein the plurality of markings define at least passageway defined by at least one of a hue, color, shade and pattern on the gameboard face different than surrounding spaces, and a second directional arrow on at least a portion of the passageway that directs players in which direction to move.
 5. (canceled)
 6. (canceled)
 7. The board game kit of claim 1, wherein the first player advances an amount of spaces equal to a number of spots on an upward facing side of the at least one die after rolling the dice when it is the first player's turn to play.
 8. (canceled)
 9. (canceled)
 10. A game system comprising: a gameboard having markings that define a maze for players to escape before other players in order to win the game; wherein the markings define: a plurality of areas, wherein each area represents a space on the maze; a plurality of walls defined by line segments, wherein each wall prevents movement into at least one space; at least passageway defined by at least one of a hue, color, shade and pattern on the gameboard different than surrounding spaces, and a second directional arrow on at least a portion of the passageway that directs players in which direction to move, wherein at least one passageway includes a third graphical element that indicates that players can only move though the passageway in a single direction; and wherein the plurality of markings include a plurality of different first graphical characters are disposed on spaces within the maze, wherein moving the game piece onto one of the spaces having one of first graphical characters requires a first player associated with the game piece to receive and follow a first graphical character instruction that is associated with first graphical character, wherein the first graphical character instruction for each of the first graphical characters is displayed on an instruction sheet table, and wherein the maze defines no dead ends and at least a single exit for players to exit the maze.
 11. The game system of claim 10, wherein at least one of the gameboard, markings, random instruction generator, game pieces and playing cards are represented by graphical representations on a remote computing device.
 12. The game system of claim 10, wherein the system includes at least one game piece, wherein each game piece is assigned to a player and configured to be moved within the maze.
 13. (canceled)
 14. The game system of claim 10 wherein the system further includes: a deck of a plurality of playing cards, wherein each of the playing cards provide a second instruction for each player to move within the maze; and, and wherein the plurality of markings further include a second graphical character on at least one space of the maze, wherein moving onto the space having the second graphical character requires the first player to draw one of the playing cards from the deck and to follow the second instruction displayed on the playing card.
 15. (canceled)
 16. (canceled)
 17. (canceled)
 18. The game system of claim 10, wherein the game piece advances an amount of spaces equal to a number provided in a first instruction by a random instruction generator, and wherein the random instruction generator is at least one of a die and an electronic random generator that randomly generates a number.
 19. (canceled)
 20. (canceled) 